Barack Obama - the latest US president and one of the greatest speakers of our modern age. But just what is it that makes him such a great speaker?
Obama speeches are quite amazing to listen to, and even when reading transcripts of his speeches you can still hear the way he eloquently delivers every single word he speaks. This is because he combines powerful words with a powerful delivery. Every speech he gives seems thoughtful and well-prepared, and it is clear that he focuses when preparing them. Obama speeches make the audience feel like they are listening to someone who is intelligent, well-educated and wise, and it makes the people realize that they are in the presence of a great leader.
“America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.” These words seem like something out of a literary novel or some other form of written literature. But these words are directly quoted from Obama speeches, and they are a testament to his strength as a speaker. “In the face of” and “this winter” are excellent metaphorical techniques which the speaker uses to strengthen what he says by way of vivid imagery. Metaphors are a great way to inspire a certain feeling in your audience, and Obama seems to have mastered this technique.
Metaphors, however, are not the only strength in Obama speeches. He also maintains a standard of respect and dignity in everything he says which is unmistakable. This is not only a great skill in speech delivery, but also a testament to the morality and principles behind the political figure. The effect that this has on speech delivery is enormous - it makes people want to listen. “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” These words are spoken directly to the enemies of the United States and the opponents of peace. When speaking to our enemies we rarely show them any kind of respect, and another leader might have committed this human error. Obama, however, consciously decides to always be respectful, because showing respect to others demands that respect be shown to you, and he maintains this awesome display of respect even when speaking to his enemies.
Despite the respect and metaphorical words, Obama speeches also display his courage as a leader. From the above quote it is quite evident that he is being respectful to his enemies, but simultaneously he warns them that they are “on the wrong side of history.” He speaks well and in a decent manner, but this does not prevent him from telling it like it is, being truthful and direct, and this is what an audience expects from a speaker, and what a nation expects from their leader.
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